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Blessings Chidakwa Municipal Reporter

A modern women’s vending stall and a one stop centre catering for gender-based violence victims has been launched in Epworth.

Officiating at the market today, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Deputy Minister Honourable Jennifer Mhlanga said economic empowerment of women was integral to any sustainable approach to eradicate violence against women.

“Studies show that women who control their own resources are less vulnerable to being victimized because of their gender,” she said.

The market and the GBV one stop shop were created following a partnership between the Government, European Union, United Nations together with the Epworth Local Board.

The opening of the safe market space and the one stop centre coincided with the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence that will take place under a localized theme; “End Violence Against Women Now: No to child marriages!”

Head of EU Development Cooperation Mr Frank Porte said the EU fully aligns and supports Zimbabwe’s theme this year.